Opinion The University Daily Kansan United States First Amendment Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech,or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble,and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010 Follow Opinion on Twitter. @kansanopinion t PAGE 5A FREE FOR ALL To contribute to Free for All, visit Kansan.com or call (785) 864-0500. --collegiate athletic equivalent of apocalypses as the Big 12 stood on the brink of annihilation. Three months with that guy makes me so happy. CEE When I'm having the worst day ever, I just think to myself "Well at least I don't go to Mizzou." Toaster Strudels are so good! --collegiate athletic equivalent of apocalypses as the Big 12 stood on the brink of annihilation. Every time I walk into Strong Hall, I feel like I've time warped into the 1950s. --collegiate athletic equivalent of apocalypses as the Big 12 stood on the brink of annihilation. School has just started and I'm already regretting my living arrangements. My body was not designed to operate at this ungodly hour ... damn 8 a.m. classes ... --collegiate athletic equivalent of apocalypses as the Big 12 stood on the brink of annihilation. --collegiate athletic equivalent of apocalypses as the Big 12 stood on the brink of annihilation. Working at night BLOWS. Let's see which girl can wear the least amount of clothing today. If you see her, point her out. --collegiate athletic equivalent of apocalypses as the Big 12 stood on the brink of annihilation. Make up sex. Mmmmmmmm I think Cartman should host Shark Week. --collegiate athletic equivalent of apocalypses as the Big 12 stood on the brink of annihilation. SLAYER!!! Douche bags make the world go round. --collegiate athletic equivalent of apocalypses as the Big 12 stood on the brink of annihilation. --collegiate athletic equivalent of apocalypses as the Big 12 stood on the brink of annihilation. I come from a land down under. Gigaty. Oh people. Pronunciation is overrated. --collegiate athletic equivalent of apocalypses as the Big 12 stood on the brink of annihilation. I think I could kill a wolf with my barehands. --collegiate athletic equivalent of apocalypses as the Big 12 stood on the brink of annihilation. When is football ticket pick-up? Editor's note: Uh...now. --collegiate athletic equivalent of apocalypses as the Big 12 stood on the brink of annihilation. Just as I get home and take off my pants, someone knocks on my door. Lame. --collegiate athletic equivalent of apocalypses as the Big 12 stood on the brink of annihilation. Living on Mass Street would be ten times better if 14th Street didn't exist. To the guy walking past Wescco with his hand deep down his pants: ew. --collegiate athletic equivalent of apocalypses as the Big 12 stood on the brink of annihilation. Who needs a job? The KU police are hiring ... ●□ m ○ □ □ □ m ■ --collegiate athletic equivalent of apocalypses as the Big 12 stood on the brink of annihilation. --collegiate athletic equivalent of apocalypses as the Big 12 stood on the brink of annihilation. EDITORIAL BOARD New lyrics offer chance to affect old traditions For several days in June, students, fans and alumni were treated to perhaps the Rumors swirled and press conferences were called. When the dust settled, two schools had left the Big 12. Yet the conference remained. Although the University's community could breathe a sigh of relief, the upheaval had actually rendered one of KU's treasured traditions outdated. The song "I'm a Jayhawk" is commonly known as the clapping song, but the lyrics speak of an earlier era. According to the KU website, "I'm a Jayhawk" was written in 1912 by KU student George Bowles and revised in 1958 to come in line with team names of, at the time, the Big 8. The 1958 lyrics are as follows: "Talk about the Sooners The Cowboys and the Biffs, Talk about the Tiger and his tail, Talk about the Wildcats, and those Cornhuskin' boys, But I'm the bird to make 'em weep and wail. CHORUS: 'Cause I'm a Jay, Jay, Jay, Jay, Jajawk. Up at Lawrence on the Kaw 'Cause I'm a Jay, Jay, Jay, Jay, layhawk. With a sis-boom, hip hoorah Got a bill that's big enough To twist the Tiger's tail Husk some corn and listen To the Cornhusker's wail- "Cause I'm a Jay, Jay, Jay, Jay, layhawk, Riding on a Kansas gale." The references to the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers and University of Colorado Cowboys are outdated with the departure of those two schools from the Big 12. Some fans and alumni have called for an update. This fall the Alumni Association is holding a contest to determine new lyrics. This is a great idea and chance for current students to help shape a tradition with a long history. It may revive the sung version of the song, which could help us all finally clap at the right times. In considering what the new lyrics should be, expanding K-State's role in the song seemed appropriate as they've remained one of our closet rivals throughout history. In the meantime, we decided to take a stab at some new lyrics. And after all, who can pass up the chance to throw in a couple good-natured jabs at our purple neighbors to the west - because a couple small changes can make all the difference in the world. Please enjoy. EDITORIAL CARTOON "I'm a Jayhawk" as revised by The University Daily Kansan: "Talk about the Sooners, The Cowboys who huff and puff. Talk about the Tiger and his tail, Talk about the Wildcats, and faces in a purple-ly poise, But I'm the bird to make 'em weep and wail. CHORUS: 'Cause I'm a Jay, Jay, Jay, Jay, Jayhawk, Up at Lawrence on the Kaw 'Cause I'm a Jay, Jay, Jay, Jay, Jayhawk, With a sis-boom, hip hoorah. Got a bill that's big enough To twist the Tiger's tail Clip some claws and listen To the Wildcats waill- 'Cause I'm a Jay, Jay, Jay, Jay, Jayhawk, Riding on a Kansas gale." Jonathan Shorman for The Kansan Editorial Board SPEAK OUT What's your version of the song? Send to kansanopdesk@gmail.com NICK SAMBALUK FOREIGN POLICY U.S. image benefits from relief What the United Nations now deems the most damaging natural disaster in the last decade has flown largely under the radar in the United States. The large-scale floods that began in July in Pakistan have left six million citizens in need of emergency assistance. This number is expected to reach eight million, according to the World Health Organization (not to mention the fifteen million, or nine in ten of the country's citizens, left homeless). the largest single donor of relief funds, we need to give more and fast. If not to curb the devastating toll the floods are taking on this troubled Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Admiral Mike Mullen, has warned that Pakistan is the most important country for the future of the fight against Islamist extremism. With reports of al-Qaeda supported Islamic groups supplying assistance to displaced Pakistani citizens and the growing threat of the Taliban also assisting victims, it appears Even though the United States is our terrorist enemies are treating the floods as a strategic opportunity, although the United States is not. country, then certainly because of the impact this disaster will have on the United States' national security. Empirical evidence proves that BY MEGAN ADAMS madams@kansan.com To donate to Pakistan flood relief through the United Nations' Childrens Fund visit unicefusa.org worldwide attitudes towards the United States can be improved through dramatic humanitarian After U.S.-led aid programs to the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia and the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, public opinion ratings of the United States shot up in both disaster areas, according to the Pew Research Center. assistance. Having Pakistani media telewise the arrival of U.S. aid packages at the scene would leave a lasting impression on Pakistani citizens. This generation of Pakistan's citizens are surrounded by anti-Americanism sentiment and are often influenced by radical terrorist groups. In the "war of ideas" between Islamic extremism and American democracy, a generous aid package would be a victory we so badly need. Moreover, Pakistan is the only nuclear power in the Muslim world. A possible consequence of this natural disaster is a weakened, if not destroyed, governmental authority with an unprotected nuclear arsenal. A map of Pakistan's border countries reveals why such a consequence threatens U.S. national security. For this reason alone, our relief efforts need to focus on long-term development in infrastructure and agriculture without undermining Pakistani government authority. Though the Obama Administration is busy with a handful of worthy causes — the last of U.S. soldiers leaving Iraq, increased efforts in Afghanistan and Gulf oil clean up — it is high time that we provide adequate assistance to this disaster-torn country. If the humanitarian reasons for increasing our aid aren't compelling enough, then national security concerns should be convincing enough. Megan Adams is an Overland Park junior in international studies and political science. SEXUALITY Interest in sex climbs while actual sex falls Are we just a bunch of sex-obsessed college kids who want to share every intimate detail of our sexual adventures? Daniel Reimold, a professor at the University of Tampa, investigated the development of sex columns in college newspapers in his book "Sex and the University." Let's Talk about Sex Of course many are interested in stories that are more gossip than actual opinion, which is why tabloids exist. But sex columns are more than just using dirty words. He found that sex columns in college newspapers became mainstream during the last decade and that writers often create a persona for their column that tells intimate stories about their personal lives, whether they actually experienced it or not. On some campuses, their juicy details and knowledge about sex makes them celebrities. The real reason for their popularity may be students' upbringing. Joseph Tartakovsky of The Wall Street Journal said that adolescent sexual interest is the reason. They offer students information they can use, whether they are sexually active or not. A sex column that doesn't give students something they will benefit from is wasted space in the newspaper. But the popularity of sex columns may not reflect actual college culture. According to a study cited by Newsweek in 2008, students are less sexually active than a decade ago. This is in conflict with the study findings. The study also shows that in 2001, 31 percent of female freshman have never BY CAROLINE BLEDOWSKI had sex. This number increased to almost 50 percent of all undergraduates in 2006. However, the way we talk about personal issues has changed with the onset of social media. Many are used to giving details about their daily habits on their Facebook feed, posting pictures of last weekend's keg party or showing off a new partner. Reimold said many of the columnists he interviewed want to push boundaries or challenge the status quo. That may be rebellious in theory. There are not many boundaries left to push and the status quo has already changed since people started to share their relationship status with the world. If we are used to knowing much about our (more or less) friends, we're not surprised when someone we don't really know talks about their last sex partner in the newspaper. Whatever the reason for a sex column in a college newspaper, it gives information and humor students need. That's the kind of sex column students deserve and the kind that you'll find here. Bledowski is a graduate student from Cracow, Poland in journalism. Views from campuses around the country Views at Large "We do not oppose the release of these documents simply because the American government decided they should be classified. We do not oppose the release because it could be embarrassing to the United States, to Afghanistan, or to any other political, corporate, or social entity. We do, however, oppose the seeming lack of concern Wikileaks and its leaders — founder Julian Assange in particular — have for the unintended consequences of their actions." — The Tartan, Carnegie Mellon University, August 23 "Even those who may not support war and military efforts can agree that they take huge tolls on individuals and that universities and other organizations would be irresponsible not to provide psychological help and counseling to returned veterans. Likewise, it is also in everyone's interest, anti-war and otherwise, that returning veterans have access to and opportunities to succeed in educational endeavors." - The Daily Californian, University of California- Berkeley, August 23 "Or perhaps Obama knew he wouldn't be able to keep a straight face as Perry admits he needs more federal involvement from a government he has called "oppressive ... in its size, its intrusion into the lives of its citizens and its interference with the affairs of our state." - Daily Texan, University of Texas, August 12 HOW TO SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE EDITOR LETTER GUIDELINES The submission should include the author's name, grade and hometown. Find our full letter to the editor policy online at kansan.com/letters. Alex Garrison, editor 864-4810 or agarrison@kansan.com Nick Gerik, managing editor 864-4810 or ngeri.kukansan.com Erin Brown, managing editor 864-4810 or ebrown@kansan.com David Cawton, kansan.com managing editor 864-4810 or dawthon.kansan.com Emily McCoy, Kansas TV assignment editor 864-4810 or emmcoy@kansan.com Jonathan Shorman, opinion editor 024 or ishman@ikansan.com Shauna Blackmon, associate opinion editor 864-4924 or sblackmon@kansan.com Joe Garvey, business manager 646-1358 or jgarvey@kansan.com Amy O'Brien, sales manager 646-4747 or aobrien@kansan.com Malcolm Gibson, general manager and news adviser 646-7667 or mgibson@kansan.com Jon Schmitt, sales and marketing adviser 646-7667 or mgibson@kansan.com Jon Schlitt, sales and marketing adviser 864-7666 ur.jschlitt@kansan.com THE EDITORIAL BOARD THE EDITORIAL BOARD Members of the Kansan Editorial Board are Alex Garrison, Negek Gir, Erin Brown, David Jonathan, Jonathon Schmaun and Shauna